Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying held a press conference on October 29, 2013.

Q: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister and top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi said that his meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Yukiya Amano on October 28 was very useful and constructive, and called for new approaches in resolving problems with the IAEA. What is China's comment? What expectations does China have for the upcoming Geneva conference between Iran and the P5+1 countries?

A: There have been positive interactions between the IAEA and Iran over recent times. China welcomes that. We encourage the IAEA and Iran to intensify dialogue and cooperation, dispel the international community's concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and play a constructive role for the peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogues and negotiations. All relevant parties should seize the current opportunities in dialogues, seek common ground to remove differences and strive for early progress, so as to create conditions for the comprehensive, long-term and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Q: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir delivered a speech on October 28, pledging to cooperate with South Sudan to solve the issue of the disputed Abyei border region. What is China's comment?

A: China has noted relevant reports and welcomes the positive remarks made by President Bashir on the issue of the Abyei region. We hope that Sudan and South Sudan could solve the issue of the Abyei region and other outstanding problems through peaceful negotiations based on mutual understanding and accommodation. China will continue to make positive efforts together with the international community for the continuous improvement and growth of the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan.

Q: The new Australian government has not decided to lift the ban on Huawei from participating in its national broad band network. What is China's comment? Will it impact China-Australia relations in any way?

A: As two major countries in the Asia Pacific, China and Australia share broad common interests, and the enhancement of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation serves the fundamental interests of the two sides. The leader of the new Australian government also said that Australia attaches importance to growing ties with China and regards China's development as an important opportunity. Leaders of the two countries arrived at an important consensus of advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, expanding exchanges and cooperation across the board and jointly advancing China-Australia strategic partnership.

On your question about the specific cooperation, we believe that relevant Chinese company's cooperation with other countries based on market rules is mutually beneficial and conducive to each other's economic and social development. We hope that all parties could make joint efforts to create conditions and provide a level playing field for equal, mutually beneficial and normal cooperation between each other's companies based on market rules.

Q: What is China's comment on the lingering impact of the "Prism" scandal?

A: China has repeatedly expounded on its position on the issue of cyber security. On major issues concerning countries' sovereignty and security, such as the issue of cyber security, the international community should stand together and take effective measures under the new security concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination. We call on all countries to take actions to draw up a universally binding code of conduct. China, Russia and other countries have submitted a draft international code of conduct for information security to the UN, and are working to advance relevant negotiations. We hope that this initiative would be helpful to the international community's campaign against challenges to cyber security.

Q: It is reported that Special Representative Wu Dawei of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs is visiting the US. Please confirm.

A: At the invitation of the US, Special Representative Wu Dawei of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs led a delegation to visit the US on October 27. He had working contact and discussions with the Department of State's Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel and Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies, exchanging views on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

China has been in close communication with all relevant parties for an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks. Special Representative Wu Dawei's visit is part of China's efforts.

Q: Japanese Defence Minister reportedly said that "intrusions" by China in waters off the Diaoyu Islands constitute a threat to peace. What is China's comment?

A: China's position on relevant issue is clear. China unswervingly pursues peaceful development. It is a strategic choice made by China in conformity with the trend of the times and the fundamental interests of the country. We stay committed to properly managing and resolving differences and disputes with our neighbors through dialogues and consultations. We are resolutely opposed to actions that violate China's territorial sovereignty.

If you look back on history, you will see clearly who is the guardian of peace and who is the initiator of war. We urge the Japanese side to stop deliberately hyping up external threat and be honest with the international community about its real intention of military buildup. We hope that Japan could earnestly reflect on history, follow the path of peaceful development, stop making empty talks and take concrete actions to safeguard regional peace and stability.

Q: Pakistani Army's Chief of Staff Kayani is in Beijing for a visit. Please give us more details. Have the two sides talked about counter-terrorism cooperation?

A: Please consult the National Defence Ministry for the specifics of Pakistani Army Chief Kayani's visit. What I can tell you is that Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui met with Army Chief Kayani on October 28. The two sides exchanged views on China-Pakistan relations and issues of common interest.

With regard to the issue of counter-terrorism, Pakistan has made strenuous efforts and sacrificed a lot in the fight against terrorism. China supports the Pakistani side in making counter-terrorism strategy in light of its national conditions and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with relevant countries, including Pakistan to combat terrorism.